Abnormal Brain Structure Predicts Severity of Fibromyalgia Symptoms

NEWSBRIEF: Imaging scans called magnectic resonanace diffusion-tensor imaging (MR-DTI) and magnetic resonance imaging of voxel-based morphometry (MR-VBM) showed what researchers call a "striking pattern of changes in brain morphology" in people with fibromyalgia (FMS).

In this study, abnormal brain morphology (form and structure) was detected in multiple regions of the brain. Changes detected with MR-DTI correlated with pain intensity, fatigue, self-perceived physical impairment, and stress symptoms. MR-VBM measurements didn't correlate to symptom intensities.

Researchers concluded that MR-DTI may support a diagnosis of FMS and possibly of similar pain syndromes as well.

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